A Reflection by Associate Patricia Herrick, OPA
How many times have you heard these old expressions: Every cloud has a silver lining. When God shuts one door, he opens a window. There’s a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in. I am thankful for my struggle because without it, I wouldn’t have stumbled upon my strength?
What motivates you to find the good in a bad situation? What can we gain from an examination of the pandemic we are now experiencing?
I am amazed by how not being able to attend Mass has contributed to a deeper relationship with my God.
First, I have found myself with plenty of time to pray, no excuses.
I have also found myself with absolutely no distractions while listening to the world of God via YouTube. It has increased my listening ability drastically. I almost feel as if the priest (or God) is speaking directly to me.
I find myself trying new things, listening to biographies of saints, finding new ways to pray, reading the oppeace.org website, exploring Christian blogs, etc. One link leads to another, putting me on a more expansive and exciting fact-finding spiritual journey.
Being sequestered in my home has been the ultimate challenge. There’s only myself, my husband and our youngest daughter. We are finding it hard to avoid each other’s nerve endings, yet good things have resulted.
We have become involved in good family activities — reading, watching movies, playing cards, working puzzles, watching church services and praying more together than ever before. The time that we are spending together is enriched and has more depth and meaning. It is helping us expand and deepen our relationships with each other.
I am flabbergasted by the response of the common person to this global crisis.
I see and hear about people who are feverishly sewing masks, gowns, or caps for medical personnel. I am amazed at the medical personnel who have the courage to expose themselves and their families to the virus so that others may benefit. I am impressed by all the stories that I am hearing about how communities are coming together to provide food for the poor, the unemployed, and the homeless.
I’m astounded at the number of businesses who have provided supplies for masks and gowns; schools that are staying in touch with their students; and magazines that are offering free entrance to websites so parents can find activities for keeping their children busy and engaged. It’s truly fulfilling to witness the number of people who have stopped to ask themselves the question, “What can I do to help?”
The coronavirus is frightening and devastating. When we look back on this time period 10 years from now, we will not only recall the negative aspects of a deadly disease and the number of people who succumbed to the illness. We will also recall all the good that came from the global and individual effort to sustain ourselves during the crisis.